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Gre prep online guides and tips, graduate school acceptance rates: can you get in.

Even the most qualified and confident applicants worry about getting into grad school. But don’t panic! Graduate school acceptance rates, which give the percentage of applicants that were admitted to a particular school or program in an academic year, can help you determine how likely you are to get into a given program.  But where can you find grad school admissions statistics?

In this article, we’ll first investigate the trends and factors associated with graduate school acceptance rates. Then, we’ll take a look at some of the current acceptance rates and give you expert tips on how to find acceptance rates for your programs. Finally, we’ll show you how to determine your odds of getting into grad school.

Graduate School Acceptance Rates: Factors and Trends

Grad school acceptance rates are the same as any other acceptance rate: the lower the acceptance rate, the more selective the school or program is. Similarly, the higher the acceptance rate, the less selective the school or program is. As with undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates vary widely, from extraordinarily selective (less than 5 percent) to incredibly lenient (nearly 100 percent).

Unlike undergrad rates, though, grad school acceptance rates are usually calculated for specific programs or departments and  not for entire universities. This is because with grad school, you are essentially applying to an individual program rather than an overall institution (as you did for undergrad).

Now that we’ve covered all of the basics, let’s look at a few key trends. Our research indicates there are three major factors that help determine grad school acceptance rates:

• School or program prestige
• Degree type
• Amount of funding

Let’s look at how each of these factors influences grad school acceptance rates.

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#1: School or Program Prestige

How prestigious a particular grad school or program is can affect its overall competitiveness and selectivity. In general, the more prestigious a program is, the more competitive it’ll be and thus the lower acceptance rate it’ll have.

An easy way to determine school or program prestige is to consult official rankings, such as those listed on  U.S. News . (Grad schools are typically ranked by field or program and   not by overall institution.)

For example, a 2017  U.S. News  list of the best political science grad programs  ranked Duke’s political science program at #7 and Northwestern’s at #23. Because both of the programs have fairly high rankings, it’s safe to assume they’re probably quite selective.

And this is true: in 2016,  Duke  reported a mere 10 percent acceptance rate to its political science doctoral program, while  Northwestern  reported a 12 percent acceptance rate.

#2: Degree Type

Another major factor is degree type. Generally,  doctoral programs tend to be more selective than master’s programs (though this isn’t always the case as I’ll explain in a moment). This trend is likely due to the fact that doctoral programs often look for higher-quality applicants with proven academic track records and more relevant experience in their fields.

For example, in 2016  University of Michigan’s math doctoral program  had a 17.2 percent acceptance rate, whereas its master’s program  had a much higher 31.8 percent rate. In this case, the doctoral program is clearly tougher to get into than the master’s program.

Still,   master’s programs can have lower acceptance rates than doctoral programs. If we were to take the University of Michigan’s grad programs in computer science and engineering, we’d find that the doctoral program has  a 15 percent acceptance rate  and the master’s  an even lower 8 percent acceptance rate .

Additionally, M.F.A. programs are particularly cutthroat. In 2015, the creative writing M.F.A. program at UT Austin’s James A. Michener Center for Writers only admitted 12 out of 678 applicants — that’s a mere 1.8 percent acceptance rate !

#3: Amount of Funding

Funding, too, plays a big role in how selective a grad program is.

Well-funded  programs typically receive more applications than those offering little to no aid, thereby raising their selectivity. Competition is especially fierce for fully funded programs — possibly because fewer people are willing to go into debt for grad school.

Compared to fully funded doctoral programs, fully funded master’s programs are somewhat rare and thus pretty competitive. UT Austin’s Creative Writing M.F.A. program, for instance, is not only a prestigious program but also one of the most well-funded Creative Writing M.F.A. programs in the country: it  offers full tuition remission and a $27,500 stipend per academic year . It’s no wonder, then, that its acceptance rate is below 2 percent!

What Are the Current Graduate School Acceptance Rates?

For this section, we’ve scoured the internet to bring you a robust assortment of acceptance rates for popular U.S. grad schools.

Before we dive in, note that not all institutions calculate grad school acceptance rates using the same methodologies. Some offer only a single acceptance rate for all of their grad schools put together, while others offer individual rates by school, field, or program.

Now, let’s see how selective these schools really are!

*Statistics for NYU are based on the number of enrolled students and not the number of admitted students. Therefore, expect actual acceptance rates to be slightly higher.

How to Find Graduate School Acceptance Rates: 4 Methods

Unfortunately, grad school admissions statistics tend to be more difficult to find than undergrad acceptance rates.  But there are ways to search for them — you just have to do a lot of digging and possibly a little reaching out.

Below are our top four methods for finding grad school acceptance rates for the programs you’re applying to.

#1: Consult School Websites

By far the most reliable resources for grad school admissions statistics are  school websites.

Start your search by consulting program and departmental pages, particularly admissions and FAQ pages. Look out for any statistics-related keywords or phrases, such as “admission(s) rates,” “acceptance rates,” “enrollment,” “facts and figures,” etc. Use ctrl+F to move swiftly through large chunks of text.

Not all schools publish grad admissions information online, and those that do don’t always report it in the same way as others. For example, Princeton offers a handy PDF  containing acceptance rates for all academic fields of study. On the other hand,  Notre Dame  gives separate admissions charts for each of its grad programs (which you can access by selecting a program and then clicking “Admissions Statistics”).

Additionally, many schools release admissions statistics without explicitly publishing acceptance rates.  In this case, it’s your job to take the statistics provided and use them to calculate an acceptance rate. To find the acceptance rate of a school or program, you’ll need the following information:

• The total number of applicants in a year
• The total number of applicants granted admission  that year

The acceptance rate equals the total number of applicants offered admission divided by the total number of applicants and then multiplied by 100, or:

$$\acceptance \rate = {\number \of \applicants \offered \admission}/{\total \number \of \applicants}100$$

Be sure to  avoid conflating the number of students who were  offered admission   with the number of students who accepted their offers of admission. These two concepts sound alike but are actually different. What you’re looking for is the first statistic — that is, the number of admitted students (regardless of whether they decided to enroll).

If you’re having trouble finding admissions statistics by browsing school websites, search on Google for “[Your School] graduate acceptance rate” and see if any relevant school pages appear. While searching for acceptance rates to use in the table above, I consistently swapped “acceptance rate” with similar phrases, such as “admission(s) rate,” “facts and figures,” “student statistics,” “admittance rates,” and “admission(s) statistics.”

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Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can also use phrases like “Ph.D. admissions statistics” or “master’s admissions statistics” to narrow your search even further. Try to think outside the box as you do your research. What are other ways people talk about acceptance rates?

#2: Check  U.S. News

If your school or program doesn’t offer any admissions statistics on its website, go to  U.S. News . This website offers official rankings of grad programs as well as lists of the most (and least) selective programs in various fields.

For example, I found a 2016 list of the most competitive online M.B.A. programs  and a 2015 list of the most competitive online graduate engineering programs .

If U.S. News doesn’t offer any relevant lists for you to use, try skimming the current grad school rankings to gauge how competitive your program is compared with others in the same field.

#3: Search Other Websites

One less reliable method for looking up grad school admissions statistics is to  look for (unofficial) websites discussing acceptance rates for your school or program.

The Grad Cafe’s  admissions results  section is a solid place to start. Here, applicants post whether they’ve been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted for grad programs.

Search for your program to get a rough feel for how many acceptances and rejections go out each year. You might notice that certain types of applicants are more active than others. Creative Writing M.F.A. applicants, for example, are prolific posters in winter and spring (during admissions season).

Occasionally, Google itself will provide you with grad school acceptance rates, but this only appears to work consistently for well-known law schools, medical schools, and business schools.

Additionally, while using Google, don’t assume that any acceptance rates that pop up are directly connected to your search terms. For example, when I searched “stanford graduate acceptance rate,” Google gave me this result:

This 4.8 percent acceptance rate is  not  the acceptance rate for Stanford’s grad programs (what I searched for) but rather the acceptance rate for undergrads. So always cross-check any statistics Google gives you.

You can also consult grad school data websites such as  Peterson’s and StartClass . Take their grad school acceptance rates with a grain of salt, though — their data isn’t always verifiable online. If possible, try to compare any data you find on these types of websites with the school websites themselves or U.S. News .

#4: Contact Schools

If the internet isn’t giving you the help you need, call or email your schools. Be polite but upfront: ask whether the school calculates acceptance rates for grad programs and where you can find this information online (if available).

If a school refuses to divulge admissions statistics or simply doesn’t report acceptance rates, see if they can give you estimates for how many applications they receive each year, or for how many acceptances they usually extend to applicants in your program.

Graduate School Acceptance: What Are Your Odds?

By this point, you might be wondering how likely it is you’ll actually get into the grad program you wish to attend. After all, acceptance rates are pretty broad — they tell you what everyone’s odds are but not your odds specifically.

Below are three easy steps for determining your odds of getting into grad school, including advice on when it’s better to go for it or choose another program.

Step 1: Check Program Requirements

First, go to your program’s website and pinpoint the admissions requirements page. Now, ask yourself:  do you meet all of the program’s basic requirements? If not, you’ll likely wind up with a rejection (and might not even be able to apply).

However, if you’re still interested in applying, contact the program and ask if they’ll make an exception for you. Your chance of getting accepted is still low, but you’ll at least have your application considered.

If your program strongly recommends qualities you lack, don’t interpret this as an automatic rejection. Sometimes, applicants can make up for deficiencies in other ways. For example, if your undergrad GPA is 3.1 and your program recommends applicants have a minimum 3.2, don’t write off the program — you might still have a shot at getting in as long as the rest of your application is solid.

On the other hand, even if you meet all of a program’s requirements, you’re not necessarily a shoo-in. Remember, all other applicants have met these requirements, too, so you’ll need to find a unique way to make your application stand out.

Step 2: Find Average GRE Scores and GPAs

Your next step is to look up your program’s average GRE scores and GPA  to see how your own scores and GPA compare with those of previously admitted applicants.

You can usually find GRE score information on admissions requirements or FAQ pages. You can also search on Google for “[Your School] [Your Program] average GRE scores.” For step-by-step instructions on how to find average GRE scores, check out  my article on average GRE scores by school .

For GPAs, you can use the same basic methodology. Check admissions requirements and FAQ pages and use ctrl+F to search for “GPA.” If GPA information is available, you’ll most likely come across minimum GPAs or average GPAs (or both). For more tips on how to find GPA information for your grad schools, read our guide .

Now, compare your own GRE scores and GPA with the averages you’ve found. Below are all possible scenarios and what they mean for you and your odds of getting into the program:

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• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  higher than your program’s averages:  Congratulations! You have an excellent chance of getting accepted, especially if the rest of your application is equally impressive. Keep up the great work!
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  about the same as your program’s averages:  You’re doing pretty well! You are just the type of applicant your program is looking for. The only drawback is that you probably won’t stand out as much from other applicants who have similar GRE scores and GPAs. So take time to make your application sparkle (I’m looking at you, statement of purpose).
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both lower than your program’s averages (or just one of the two is lower):  It ain’t over ’til it’s over! You can still make up for your deficiencies in other ways. While you can’t change your GPA, you can retake the GRE . If your GPA is low, a great strategy for combating this is to discuss it in your statement of purpose, taking care to highlight any external factors that contributed to the low GPA as well as any attributes of yours that prove you’re indeed ready for grad school.

Step 3: Decide Whether to Apply

Now, we get to the final question: do you apply to the program or not?  This is a vague question that’s difficult to answer as is. The real questions you should be asking yourself are as follows:

• Do I meet all of the program’s basic requirements?
• Do I meet most or all of the program’s expectations of applicants (in terms of GRE scores, GPA, etc.)?
• Is the program’s acceptance rate extremely low?
• Do I really like this program?

Although acceptance rates and GRE/GPA comparisons are helpful, don’t base your decision to apply solely on how difficult the program is to get into. We can’t know for sure what kind of applicant a grad program is looking for or who they’re willing to make an exception for.

Take a moment to think deeply about how interested you are in this particular program. Be realistic about your chances of getting in — but don’t cross the line into pessimism. If you don’t meet most or all of a program’s expectations and you’re not super invested in it, consider applying elsewhere.

But if you meet some, most, or all of a program’s expectations and you’re extremely interested in enrolling, give the application a go. Remember, it’s totally normal (and even encouraged) to have a few reach schools. Plus, you’ll never get in if you don’t apply!

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Acceptance Rates

Grad school acceptance rates quantify for us the selectivity of grad schools and programs. More specifically, acceptance rates tell us  what percentage of applicants were offered admission to a particular grad school or program. 

With grad school, acceptance rates are often reported for individual schools or programs,  not  entire universities. Acceptance rates can vary widely depending on program prestige, the type of degree you’re seeking, and how much (or how little) funding a program offers.

Unlike undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates are somewhat difficult to locate online. You can look for them using any of the following four methods:

• Peruse school websites
• Check grad school facts and lists on  U.S. News
• Browse other websites and forums such as The Grad Cafe
• Call or email your schools

When trying to determine your  odds of getting into a program, look at your program’s requirements as well as the average GPA and GRE scores of previously admitted applicants to your program. If your GRE scores and GPA are comparable to those of your program, you have a decent shot at getting accepted. If one or both are lower than your program’s averages, however, you can always try to  raise your GRE score  with a retake or address your GPA in your statement of purpose.

At the end of the day, what ultimately matters isn’t that you get accepted to a highly competitive grad program but that you make the right decision for you and you alone!

What’s Next?

Need help with your grad school application?  Learn about the most common grad school requirements  and get tips on how to write a grad school CV or resume !

Is your GPA good enough for grad school ?  Read our in-depth guide to learn how you can make up for a less-than-stellar GPA and ultimately raise your chances of getting into the school of your dreams.

Do you have to take the GRE for grad school ? When are grad school deadlines ?  Check out our guides for answers to these questions and more.

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, understanding notre dame's acceptance rate.

Being naturally drawn towards schools with prestigious history and strong athletic spirit, I've been seriously considering Notre Dame. That said, I've seen that their acceptance rate is relatively low. Could anyone shed some light on how competitive it actually is? What qualities does the university specifically look for in prospective students?

Notre Dame has indeed built up a reputation for its rich history and athletic spirit, making it a popular choice among many students. The acceptance rate at Notre Dame has tended to hover around 12-15% over the past few years, emphasizing the selective nature of the admissions process.

Notre Dame looks at several factors while evaluating applicants. Here are a few of them:

1. Academics: Strong academic performance is paramount. That includes your grades, the rigor of your high school course load — they'll notice if you took AP or honors classes when they were available — and test scores (although they are test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle).

2. Extracurricular Activities: Notre Dame also values students who've shown commitment to extracurricular activities. Having around 8-10 extracurriculars is great, but quality is more prized than quantity. Notable achievements or leadership roles, especially those related to your intended field of study, would demonstrate your dedication.

3. Essays: Your application essays carry weight too. These provide an opportunity to convey your personality, values, and reasoning behind choosing Notre Dame. Avoid generic answers and instead, weave in details that convey why you'd be a good fit for their community.

4. Recommendations: Recommendations from teachers or counselors can provide insight into how well you work in academic and extracurricular settings.

5. Community Engagement: Notre Dame places a strong emphasis on community, service, and leadership. Evidence of these qualities through community service, leadership roles, or involvement in your local community would resonate well with them.

Remember, these are just broad guidelines and every applicant is evaluated holistically. It's your unique combination of qualities and experiences that would make you a good fit for Notre Dame.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General admissions, q: does notre dame have a graduate program in ( ).

A: Visit the Degree Programs page for a complete list of programs offered through the Graduate School. If the program you wish to pursue isn't on our list, it may be offered through the  Mendoza College of Business ,  Law School , or  School of Architecture

Q: What are the admission requirements?

A: For details concerning both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking applicants, see the Application Requirements section of our website. Addtional program-specific requirements will be posted on the program's profile on the Degree Programs page.

Q: How much does graduate school at Notre Dame cost?

A: It may cost almost nothing. Most departments support their students through fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships. This support often covers the full cost of tuition and living expenses. For more information on funding, please visit our Funding page. The Office of Financial Aid also offers resources for understanding the costs entailed in graduate studies at Notre Dame.

Q: How do I apply to The Graduate School?

A: Contact your program of interest to obtain application information.

Q: I want to apply for admission next fall/spring, but the application still shows the current year. When will the new application open?

A: You are welcome to begin working on your application under the current year, but do not submit it yet. When the next application cycle opens (usually by the first week of September), you will be able to update the admission term to the correct year and submit the application. 

Technical Support

Q: whom do i contact if i have technical difficulties with the application.

A: Please contact [email protected] with any difficulties.

Q: What do I need to do if I forget my user ID and/or password/PIN?

A: Look for the “Forgot password” link on the application login page . Enter your email address and the date of birth originally used to sign up for your account, and the application will resend your login information to the email account of record. If you no longer have access to that email address, please contact [email protected] to request an update to your account.

Q: What are the file type and size requirements?

A: The file cannot exceed 2.5 MB in size and should be in .doc, .wpd, .rtf, .xls, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx or .txt format. (For Macintosh users, please note that the filename must include the appropriate three- or four-letter extension.) Please do not attempt to upload a document that is password-protected, does not allow printing, or contains macros. This will cause the process to fail.

Q. I received a message saying the file size of my upload is too large. How do I create smaller/optimized PDF files to upload to the website?

A: If you are working with a scanned file such as a transcript, open the document in Adobe Acrobat Pro X and navigate to View → Tools → Document Processing → Optimize Scanned PDF to reduce the file size. If you are converting to PDF from Microsoft Word, first embed your fonts, and save or print as a PDF with the “Minimum size” option. In either case, verify that the text is clear and legible both in print and on-screen before uploading to the application website.

Preparing Your Application

Q: can i apply to more than one program.

A: Yes; log in to your application account , select “New application,” and then select the application year and type.

Q: If I have submitted an application before, do I need to re-apply?

A: Yes, you must submit a new application .

Q: If I have previously submitted an application, must I resubmit application material?

A: Yes, all application material must be submitted with the new application. You must submit your transcripts, recommenders, the curriculum vitae, a new statement of intent, and the writing sample, if required. If we have them, we will add your official test scores.

Q: How should I submit my application materials?

A: Unofficial transcripts, recommenders (at least three), the curriculum vitae, the statement of intent, and the writing sample, if required, must be submitted electronically through the application . Please note: All materials received by mail will be discarded.

Within 24 hours of submitting, you will receive a confirmation email listing the materials that you have uploaded, and both you and the department will be able to see the application materials through the application website . Consult the list below to clarify which items must be submitted electronically at the time of application, and which must be ordered and sent by the testing institution.

Please be aware that some institutions may include your Social Security Number within documents. The University of Notre Dame does not require this sensitive information; if it is provided, we cannot guarantee it will be protected. If present, please remove this number before you upload any documents.

Must submit electronically by applicant:

• Unofficial transcripts
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of intent
• Writing samples (if required by department)
• Materials related to the applicant’s history regarding dismissal, probation, or suspension from school, or criminal conviction

May be submitted electronically by applicant:

To expedite the review, please upload unofficial copies of test scores. Ultimately, official test scores supplied by the testing institution are required for all applicants.

Must be submitted electronically by recommender:

Letters of recommendation (Recommenders are added by the student; recommenders will upload the letters.)

Q: Is it okay to have my official standardized test scores and electronic letters of recommendation sent before I’ve submitted my application?

A: Yes, official standardized test scores can by matched at any point in the application process, whether the application is complete and submitted or incomplete and unsubmitted. Test scores are matched by name and date of birth and will be uploaded to your application after it is submitted. The electronic letters of recommendation are automatically linked to your application whether the application is submitted or not. You may return to your online application at any time to verify the status of test scores and letters of recommendation.

Letters of Recommendation

Q: how does a recommender receive the request for a letter of recommendation.

A: The applicant must first enter the recommender’s name and contact email address into a form in the application . You may add as many as five recommenders; three are required.

The recommender (or recommendation service, such as Interfolio) will receive an email providing secure access to the recommendation form and instructions to complete the recommendation electronically. Please note that as soon as a recommender is added to an application, he or she will receive this email. Applicants should only add recommenders when they are prepared for this email to be sent, and for a recommendation to be submitted for that application.

Q: Do you accept letters of recommendation from dossier services or paper letters of recommendation?

A: We accept letters of recommendation from dossier services (such as Interfolio ) that have the ability to upload documents into a Slate application . See above for the initial process steps. We do not accept paper letters of recommendation.

Q: Can I add a new recommender?

A: You can revise your list of recommenders after you submit your application. To revise your list of recommenders, log in to your application and, from the left hand navigation bar, select Recommendations. You will need the following:

• Street Address (Line 1)
• Street Address (Line 2)
• Postal Code
• Email Address
• Relationship to you

Q: My faculty recommender submitted a recommendation, but it is not marked received in my online application.

A: Most likely, you have more than one application in the system and the recommender received multiple requests to submit a letter of recommendation. If this is the case, you are probably checking one application while your recommender responded to a different application. Please check for all applications you may have and verify the status of each recommendation. If you need further assistance, please contact us at [email protected] .

Q: Can I submit my application if my letters of recommendation have not been submitted?

Yes. Please note that you are required to list your recommenders and make the request for your letters of recommendation before you may submit your application. Once you have made the request for your letters of recommendation and completed the application requirements, you may submit your application.

Test Scores: GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo

Q: does the graduate school require applicants to take the gre test.

A: Some graduate programs require the GRE; for more details, please see the Degree Programs page or the program's website. Applicants who hold a PhD, JD, MD or other doctoral degree are not required to submit GRE scores.

Q: Does the Graduate School accept the at-home GRE at-home exam and/or the TOEFL iBT?

Q: the program to which i am applying requires the gre, but the exam is not available to me. can i request a waiver.

To request a GRE waiver, please send an email explaining your situation to the program's contact listed on the Degree Programs page.

Q: What are the institution and department codes for the University of Notre Dame?

A: The institution code for both the GRE and TOEFL exams is 1841. The department code is not necessary.

Q: Does the Graduate School accept unofficial/self-reported GRE scores?

A: Yes, you may report your preliminary GRE scores in the application. However, an offer of admission is contingent upon receiving the official scores from ETS.

Q: Does the Graduate School require applicants to take the GRE Subject Test?

A: The GRE Subject Test is an additional test, which may or may not be required by the admitting department. Check the program listing to find out whether your department requires the GRE Subject Test in addition to the General Test.

Q: Do test scores expire?

A: Yes. ETS will not send us GRE scores that are older than five years; TOEFL/IELTS and Duolingo scores are valid for 2 years.

Q: Do you have minimum scores for the GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo?

A: There are no minimum scores for the GRE, as it is only one of several criteria used for admission.

Minimum English language proficiency scores depend on the type of test you’re taking.

• If you are taking the TOEFL IBT, then the minimum score is a total of 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
• If you are taking the TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution, the minimum score is a total of 550.
• If you are taking the IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0.
• If you are taking the Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 120.

Individual departments may require higher scores.

Q: Do you accept results from the 100-point scale version of the Duolingo English Test?

No, we will only accept results from the Duolingo English Test on the 160-point scale with subscores provided. Tests taken before July 7, 2020 do not have subscores, but you can add subscores to tests taken between July 15, 2019 and July 6, 2020. We do not accept results from the previous 100-point scale Duolingo exam (all Duolingo English Tests that were taken before July 15, 2019 are based on a 100-point scale).

Q: If my speaking score is below the minimum, should I apply, and will my application be reviewed?

A: Yes we encourage all applications, and all applications are reviewed.

Q: Does the Graduate School accept unofficial/self-reported IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores?

A: Yes, we accept self-reported language-test scores in the application. However, an offer of admission is contingent upon receiving the official scores directly from the testing institution.

Q: English is not my native language, but it was the primary language of instruction at my previous college. Do I need to take an English proficiency test?

A: The Graduate School will waive the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo requirement for non-native English speakers who spent a minimum of two academic years at an academic institution whose primary language of instruction was English. If that is not obvious, a letter from the Registrar’s Office (or the office responsible for academic records) confirming English as the language of instruction may be required. To expedite the review, please upload a transcript from the academic institution or the letter documenting instruction in English to the “Test Scores” section of the application (in place of the TOEFL or IELTS score). After completing the upload, please confirm with Graduate Admissions by email at  [email protected]  that you have done so.

Fees & Fee Waivers

Q: what is the application fee.

A: The application fee is $75. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Q: Can applicants pay for the application fee by credit card?

A: Yes. You can pay your application fee at any time using credit card.

Q: To whom do I make checks payable? Where do I send them?

A: Credit cards are the preferred method of payment. If you would like to pay by check, please make it payable to the University of Notre Dame. The mailing address is:

Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions 110 Bond Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556

Q: Does the Graduate School offer application fee waivers?

A: Applicants to Graduate School-administered degree programs may be eligible for an application fee waiver . Advanced degrees in architecture and law are administered separately by the School of Architecture  and  Law School , respectively. All terminal master's programs in the field of business are administered by the  Mendoza College of Business . With the exception of the Ph.D. programs in Analytics and Management, the Graduate School does not offer application fee waivers for applicants to the aforementioned professional schools.

Q: If I have applied to Notre Dame within the last academic year, or I have more than one current application, do I need to pay again?

A: Yes, the fee is required for each individual application. 

After You Submit an Application

Q: do you send confirmation of receipt of documents.

A: Yes, you will receive an initial confirmation email listing the materials we have received; after the initial notice, you will need to log in to the application site to check the status of uploaded materials and to receive communications about your application and decision status. Note: We confirm uploaded materials on a daily basis during the business week; please allow at least one business day for status updates.

Q: How do I check the status of my application?

A: Please log in to the application and select the submitted application you wish to check. Official decisions will also be communicated through the application system. (See below.)

Q: Can I revise my application after the application has been submitted?

A: No, once submitted, the application may not be changed, although you may add recommenders subsequently. If your application materials require correction or update after you have submitted, please email the new items with an explanation to [email protected] , and request that the old materials be replaced by the new. We cannot change applications after the application deadline.

Q: How will I be notified of the University’s decision?

A: When a decision is ready, the Graduate School will send you viewing instructions by email to the account you provided.

To find your online decision letter you will need to:

• Log in to your application
• If a decision is ready, there will be a yellow box titled, “Status Update.” Click on “View Update.”

Q: How do I accept or decline an offer of admission?

A: All acceptance or declination of offer replies must be submitted online. You may notify us of your decision through the link in the last paragraph of your admission letter within the application site .

To find your online letter of admission or provide your enrollment decision you will need to:

• Click on “View Update” under the yellow box titled “Status Update.”
• Access enrollment form through the letter (see the last paragraph for the link).

Jin Lab of Emergent Quantum Systems

Welcome to the Emergent Quantum Systems Lab (EQSL) at the University of Notre Dame!

Our lab explores topics at the intersection of condensed matter physics and quantum information science. We combine nanoscale quantum electronic and photonic devices with macroscopic quantum liquids and solids to reveal exotic quantum phenomena and create transformative quantum technologies. Our research could lead to ideal platforms for quantum computing, networking, and sensing that will fundamentally change the way we think and live.

University of Notre Dame

Department of Physics and Astronomy

College of Science

Excellence in education and in research

Notre Dame Physics and Astronomy provides an outstanding and distinctive education to our undergraduate and graduate students while maintaining a broad, vibrant research program as we attempt to answer some of the most fundamental questions in nature.

Undergraduate

Upcoming events, astrophysics seminar: yoshihisa suzuki, tohoku university.

Time: Tue, Sep 24 at 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Location: 127 Nieuwland Science Hall

Particle Physics Seminar: Dr. Joshua W. Foster, Fermilab

Time: Tue, Sep 24 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Location: 415 Nieuwland Science Hall

Nuclear Physics Seminar: Scott Carmichael, University of Notre Dame

Location: 184 Nieuwland Science Hall

Physics and Astronomy Colloquium: Prof. Stevan Nadj-Perge, CalTech

Time: Wed, Sep 25 at 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Condensed Matter Seminar: Dr. Sarbajaya Kundu and Dr. Hyeok-Jun Yang, University of Notre Dame

Time: Thu, Sep 26 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: 118 Nieuwland Science Hall

Nuclear Physics Seminar: Prof. Alexander Volya, Florida State University

Time: Mon, Sep 30 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Faculty Spotlight

Peter Garnavich

Peter Garnavich , professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Astronomical Society (AAS).

He was elected for “innovative work on supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and cataclysmic variables that has proven essential to furthering our understanding of various astrophysical phenomena,” the American Astronomical Society described in a press release.

Full story here.

Edwin Huang

South Bend doesn’t have very much traffic, but in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Edwin Huang , assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy hails from, traffic is a daily battle.

Traffic, he described, isn’t dissimilar to condensed matter physics. Huang joined the faculty at the University of Notre Dame this year. His research uses numerical and analytical techniques to study properties of quantum materials—and that’s where his correlation with traffic begins, with the “many-body phenomena.”

A single car or a few cars will go the speed limit, and operate independently, but when there are many cars on the road, the entire behavior of the traffic changes. They slow down and speed up for no reason.

“We try to study the same thing with electrons in materials, how behavior changes as a function of electron density strain on a system, or temperature change, for example,” Huang said. Changing these parameters can result in different phases of metals: superconductors, magnets, and materials with other properties.

Xiaolong Liu

Superconducting materials are able to conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance, enabling technology like magnetic resonance imaging and the powerful electromagnets that support and propel magnetic levitation trains.

However, until recently, the ability to understand these extraordinary materials has been limited by a lack of experimental techniques for observing their properties at the atomic level.

In a recent study in the journal Nature , Xialong Liu , assistant professor in the University of Notre Dame Department of Physics and Astronomy, and collaborators from multiple institutions made the first ever observation of a pair density wave state—an ordered arrangement of electron pairs—in a an unexpected type of superconductor material called UTe2. The detection of such a state in this topological superconductor, discovered by using a type of microscopy called scanning tunneling microscopy, suggests that these states could differ from those in more common and conventional superconductors.

Lauren Weiss

A team of astrophysicists led by Lauren Weiss , professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame, created the first-ever catalog of small, earth-like planets with Jupiter-like siblings (planets that share the same star) — a critical component in the search for life elsewhere in our universe. 

“This catalog is the first of its kind and an unprecedented opportunity to explore the diversity of planetary systems that are out there with things that are like the solar system, but not exactly the solar system, and it gives us a chance to rewrite the story of how the planets form,” Weiss said. “The science question that I’ve been trying to answer over the past decade is: Of the other small planets like Earth that are out there, which of them have Jupiter siblings? Because this might be an important characteristic to look for, if we want to figure out where to find life.”

Latest News

Notre Dame marks another year of unprecedented research success

September 10, 2024

Jin receives DOE Early Career Award

Nobel laureate Michael Levitt to receive the 2024 Carrier Medal

August 28, 2024

University of Notre Dame

College of Engineering

• Departments and Programs
• All Graduate Programs

Ph.D. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

Our Ph.D. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest and most successful at the University of Notre Dame, with more than 150 graduate students, 40 faculty, and a thriving research program.

Top-flight research opportunities and flexible advanced-level coursework allow you to pursue interests closely aligned with your career aspirations. With a 4:1 graduate-student-to-faculty ratio, the program offers individual attention and support to prepare you for careers in academia, government, and industry.

Our program is designed for Ph.D. students, typically takes five years, and includes full financial support, including a stipend and tuition scholarship.

Please note: Our program is not focused on the M.S. degree, and financial support is not available for master’s degrees.

Research areas

• Bioengineering
• Computation
• Fluid Mechanics
• Materials & Thermal Science and Manufacturing
• Robotics and Controls

Degree requirements

• A minimum of 60 credit hours, with at least 30 hours of coursework (10 classes) and at least 30 credits of thesis research or dissertation research.
• Qualifying exam, which must be accomplished prior to the fourth semester and includes a written document on your research area, a presentation, and an examination by a committee of faculty.
• Oral candidacy exam, which must be accomplished prior to the conclusion of the 8th semester (4 th year), and includes a written proposal for a dissertation topic, a presentation, and an examination by a committee of faculty.
• Written dissertation, outlining an original research contribution and showing technical mastery of the field and the contributions to the advancement of knowledge.
• An oral presentation and dissertation defense to a committee of faculty.

All AME Ph.D. students must contribute to the educational mission of the Department as an essential part of their education, mastery of topical material, and professional development. Students serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for the first 8 semesters.

A detailed description of the requirements for a Ph.D. degree, including a list of courses offered, can be found in the AME Graduate Studies Handbook.

Admission requirements

• Undergraduate degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or a similar field.
• Three letters of recommendation

Please note: A master’s degree is not required for direct admission into the Ph.D. program, and students with B.S., B.A., or M.S. degrees are all encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program.

Financial support

• Generous 12-month stipends for Ph.D. students
• Substantially increased stipends for doctoral students with fellowships
• 100% health insurance premiums paid
• Full-tuition scholarships
• Conference/workshop travel funding opportunities

We also offer dedicated graduate student career coaching.

The application deadline for Fall admission is December 31.

Questions about the program

Prof. Ryan McClarren Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

Questions about the application process

Carly Reynolds Program Administrator [email protected]

FAQs about applying to the Ph.D. program

How do i apply.

Apply online to the Ph.D. program. Start your application by setting up an account and you can work on it periodically, saving it as needed. Just be sure to submit by December 31!

What do I need to provide with the application?

• Unofficial transcripts
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Statement of intent

Is there a minimum required GPA?

There is no minimum required GPA. However, generally a GPA of at least 3.3 on a scale of 4.0 or equivalent is recommended to be a competitive applicant.

Do I need to take the GRE?

GRE test is optional for all applicants.

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS if I’m an international student?

If you are an international student who obtained your degree outside of the U.S., then either the TOEFL or IELTS is required. The minimum TOEFL IBT score is 80 with a 23 on the speaking section. If your speaking score is below 23, we still encourage you to apply, but we may request a phone or video interview to confirm speaking ability. The minimum IELTS score is 7.0.

If you are a non-native English speaker who spent a minimum of two academic years at an academic institution whose primary language of instruction was English, then you do not have to take the TOEFL or the IELTS. If it is not obvious that the institution’s primary language of instruction was English, a letter from the Registrar’s Office (or the office responsible for academic records) confirming English as the language of instruction is required.

Do TOEFL/IELTS scores expire?

Yes. TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.

Do I need letters of recommendation?

Yes, we require 3 letters of recommendation. Enter the recommender’s name and address into a form in the online application. You may add as many as five recommenders; three are required. The recommender will receive an email providing secure access to the recommendation form and instructions to complete the recommendation electronically. Please note that as soon as a recommender is added to an application, they will receive this email. Applicants should only add recommenders when they are prepared for this email to be sent and for a recommendation to be submitted for that application.

Letters of recommendation are very helpful to us in evaluating an application. Letters that discuss your potential as a graduate student are particularly helpful, especially if those that can cover your readiness and acumen for graduate level research.

We recommend that you line up your letter writers early in the application process so that they have enough time to write a strong letter and also have enough time to submit it by the application deadline.

What should go in the statement of intent?

The statement of intent is a very important part of the application. We are looking for approximately two pages that describe:

• Your passion for research, why you want to go to graduate school, and how it fits into your career goals.
• Your preparation for graduate school and, especially, graduate research, including past research experiences, your accomplishments, and the research skills you have developed (developing and testing a hypothesis, experimental skills).

Whom can I contact if I have questions about my application?

Our Graduate Program Coordinator Carly Reynolds ( [email protected] ) is happy to help with any application questions.

Departments

• Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

Interdisciplinary programs

• Materials Science and Engineering

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